It almost ended with a championship, but finishing as runner-up wasn’t quite so bad.
When the players and coaches who comprised the 2016 Philadelphia Catholic League Carpenter Cup roster re-visit their experience, they will undoubtedly have numerous stories to share with friends and family.
The journey commenced on June 14 with a 4-3 win over Burlington County, continued on June 17 via a 5-2 victory over Delaware South, reached legendary status on June 21 thanks to a 3-1 triumph over defending champion Suburban One National/Bicentennial at the home of the Philadelphia Phillies, Citizens Bank Park, and finished on June 24 with a 3-2 loss to Suburban One American/Continental at CBP.
2016 PCL Carpenter Cup Team
After the Cup ended, members of the squad vacationed here and there. The upperclassmen prepared to leave their respective high schools as college beckoned, and the underclassmen anticipated yet another September-to-June academic soiree with scholastic classmates.
With new challenges awaiting them, the PCL players were asked to reflect on their Carpenter Cup experience. Their comments below encompass baseball, teamwork, friendship, and appreciation.
Gregg Sywulak, La Salle: “This whole tournament was something from a dream. When I first looked at our roster I got really excited. We were very well-rounded and had a stud pitching staff. I was feeling very good about our chances. Getting to the championship and being able to play at Citizens Bank Park twice was something that I have dreamed about since I was a little kid. This is something that I will remember and cherish forever.”
Andrew Cossetti, La Salle: “Playing for the PCL Carpenter Cup team was a great learning experience for me, as I was taught different variables of baseball from different coaches throughout the league. It was also awesome continuing the high school baseball season with players from La Salle and from other schools. It was exciting playing with guys you normally play against, and it is definitely an experience I won't forget.”
Greg Grandelli, Roman Catholic: “Playing with all those guys at Citizens Bank Park was an awesome experience. It was really competitive and awesome to see all of us come together and make something special.”
Tim Ulrich, Father Judge: “The Carpenter Cup was one of the most exciting athletic experiences I have ever had. I always looked at the Carpenter Cup as a spectator to the stars of the Catholic League, and being named as a member of the team and advancing to the championship at Citizens Bank Park was a very fulfilling end to my baseball career. Coming three feet short of hitting a home run at a professional stadium will be one of the most satisfying disappointments of my baseball career. Although we did not achieve our goal of winning the championship, I am glad to have been a part of a team who set the standard for Catholic League baseball. The Carpenter Cup acted as the almost perfect finale to my 12-year baseball tenure.”
Steve Furman, Monsignor Bonner: “The 2016 Carpenter Cup was an unbelievable experience and a memory that I will never forget. It was truly amazing to be able to form a bond with the best players from the Philadelphia Catholic League, arguably the best baseball league in the state. We were able to trust each other’s talent, preparation, and clutch performing to play loose, relaxed, and to the best of our ability. Each player bought in to make a run for a championship, taking time away from vacation, summer baseball, and time with friends and family.”
Nicholas Argentieri, Archbishop Carroll: "It was a great experience to play in a tournament that has so much history and one that draws the best talent around. It was also an honor to represent the Catholic League and bring the reputation of the Catholic League back as on of the top leagues around."
Kody Cracknell, Archbishop Wood: “Playing for Philadelphia Catholic League for the Carpenter Cup was a great experience for me as a baseball player, and as an individual it really helped me grow as a player and as a pitcher. Playing with kids in our league and also kids from my team as well, I had a really great time playing with all these guys and getting to learn new ways to play baseball. We made it to the championship at Citizens Bank Park. We didn't win it, unfortunately, but we played a great game all around. I'm very fortunate to be able to say I have played at Citizens Bank Park twice. It was a dream come true for me, from watching the big leaguers playing, and then actually me being out there on the mound pitching was a great experience and I'll never forget that it was a great lifetime experience for me. I couldn't be more thankful and more blessed.”
Marquise Wood, Roman Catholic: “I thought the Carpenter Cup experience was amazing. Getting to bond with great players who you usually don't want to do well (when they are playing against you) – but are now on your team – is one of the greatest baseball experiences I've been apart of. And making it to Citizens Bank made it even that much better. Getting to compete every practice with the best kids around the Catholic League was a great challenge. I could not have asked for a better group of guys to do it with. We were led by some lights-out pitching, great defense, and timely hitting, and as a player I can't be happier with our team performance. We didn't win it all, but we got to spend four games with great players, amazing coaching, and it is an experience I'll always be grateful for and never forget.”
Jared Healey, Neumann Goretti: “The experience of playing in the Carpenter Cup this year was something unforgettable. Getting the chance to step out on the field at Citizens Bank, the same place where some of the greats played, was a crazy feeling. This season is a season I will never forget.”
James Kelly, Archbishop Carroll: “It was an unreal experience being able to compete with the best players in the area. During the regular season, the Catholic League had many rivalries and not so many friendships. Once the Carpenter Cup came around, we instantly become a close group of guys and felt like we could trust each other. It was a lifelong experience.”
Jeffrey Manto, St. Joe's Prep: “The Carpenter Cup experience was awesome, because not only do you have the chance to play at Citizens Bank Park, but it was an opportunity to build a camaraderie with the best players in your league. The coaches gave us every chance to perform in every game. When we played at ‘The Bank’ it was a ton of fun to hit and field, and also felt great to win.”
Aidan Welch, Roman Catholic: “It was a great experience coming together with guys who we play against during our season to represent the Catholic League.”
Christian Lutz, Father Judge: “It was an amazing experience to play in Citizens Bank Park and play with kids from schools that I was rivals against during the normal season. All of the kids I got to play with from the Catholic League were very cool and it was awesome to play with them and I look forward to playing with and against them more. I never imagined what it would be like to play on a professional field and I have to say I will remember that experience for the rest of my life. I hope to be able to play there again in the future, and to all the kids I played with, good luck.”
(Any PCL player who has not been quoted and would like to share his thoughts, please contact John Knebels at jknebels@gmail.com.)
Tag(s): Home Schools Philadelphia Catholic Baseball Philadelphia Catholic League Arch. Carroll Baseball Arch. Ryan Baseball Arch. Wood Baseball Bishop McDevitt Baseball Bonner & Prendie Baseball Cardinal O'Hara Baseball Conwell-Egan Baseball Father Judge Baseball La Salle Baseball Lansdale Cath. Baseball Roman Catholic Baseball Saint Joseph's Prep Baseball West Catholic Baseball Neumann/Goretti Baseball